The Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded 4,764 fatal work injuries in America in 2020. As such, occupational safety is a top concern for all organizations to prevent injuries and fatalities. Creating a safe workplace is also key to boosting productivity, enhancing staff morale, and lowering costs associated with workplace illnesses and injuries. Although each workplace has its unique safety requirements, there are numerous basic things that all employers can do to make their workplaces safer. Here are four essential tips to improve safety in the workplace.
1. Train employees
Excellent training is necessary for all workers, particularly if there is a risk for injury associated with a role. You can offer written instructions and safe work procedures to employees so they can check out essential details if they forget part of their training or are unsure of a task. However, many experts advise that you shouldn’t just hand out manuals and expect your workers to read through and understand them. Therefore, create a training program to back the distribution of safety instructions. As per Intertek Alchemy’s survey results, scheduling time for training was the biggest safety training for companies. Consequently, intentionally schedule multiple training sessions throughout the year to ensure that you can go through your safety manual and answer essential questions. Establishing a safety culture through training will boost employee productivity, prevent legal problems, and enhance your reputation.
2. Maintain good records
Many entrepreneurs practice good record-keeping for administrative and tax purposes. However, maintaining good records is equally essential to improving your workplace’s safety. Consequently, keep records of your company’s inspections, training activities, inspections, and first aid treatments. In addition, you can use incident reports to create a culture of safety in your company and manage them using reliable SDS management software. Your record-keeping on safety issues can help you identify trends in unsafe working conditions and procedures, so you can address them immediately to prevent disaster from striking.
3. Encourage breaks
The Federal Fair Labor Standards Act does not require employers to offer meals or break periods to workers. However, some states like Nevada and Colorado require mandatory rest breaks. California also requires employers to give their workers ten-minute rest breaks for every four hours worked. However, it is always a good idea to offer employees breaks whether or not your state mandates it. Accidents typically happen when workers are overworked and tired, so allow employees to take a mandatory 30-minute lunch break. Also, encourage your workers to take five-minute stretch breaks to stretch, ease tension, loosen joints, and lower the odds of repetitive motion injuries.
4. Reward employees for safe behavior
The incentive theory of motivation suggests that a desire for rewards and reinforcement drives people. Therefore, your employees are likely to repeat safe behavior and encourage others to uphold safety standards if you reward them. According to experts, give the reward out immediately you notice behavior that promotes safety because the greater the delay, the less effective the reward. Finally, focus on simple rewards programs instead of complex ones to keep workers engaged.